Harare, (New Ziana) –As Zimbabwe reaches the end of its peak malaria transmission season, the country has recorded a notable decline in new infections, but a very sharp rise in malaria-related deaths.
According to an update released on Monday by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, a total of 126 cumulative malaria cases were recorded between Week 1 and Week 23 of 2025. Of these, 121 were successfully controlled, while five cases remain active.
“The decline in cases is attributed to the end of the rainy season and the onset of winter, which limits mosquito breeding due to lower temperatures and drier conditions,” the Ministry said.
While the winter season has brought relief, the ministry said the first half of the year saw a significant rise in malaria deaths. “Malaria-related deaths also surged from 51 in 2024 to 317 in 2025. The increase in deaths is largely due to delays in accessing treatment, as many cases occurred in remote locations far from health facilities,” the Ministry noted.
The authorities said most of the deaths were recorded in rural areas, where access to timely healthcare remains limited.
The provinces of Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West continue to carry the heaviest malaria burden, driven by high rainfall, rural-based livelihoods, and poor healthcare access particularly in artisanal mining communities.
In contrast, urban centres such as Harare and Bulawayo reported significantly fewer cases—685 and 67 respectively—mostly involving patients referred from rural areas or those experiencing complications.
Despite the decline in new cases, the Ministry has urged citizens, especially those in high-risk areas, to remain vigilant.
“We urge all citizens, especially those in high-risk zones as well as artisanal miners, to take preventive measures such as wearing clothing that covers most of your body when outdoors between sunset and sunrise, use mosquito repellents, sleep in sprayed rooms in districts that receive Indoor Residual Spraying, and sleep under an Insecticide Treated Netevery day. “
Seek treatment within 24 hours from the Village Health Worker or from the nearest health facility, to prevent progression to severe disease that can lead to death,” the Ministry urged.
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